January 09, 2025
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5 to Watch: A few of the top baseball players returning this season in The Times area

By J.T. Pedelty

Members of the Marquette baseball team run toward the dugout to start the game against St. Bede on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Masinelli Field in Ottawa. (Scott Anderson)

There’s a ton of talent returning to The Times area’s balldiamonds this spring. Here’s a look at five of the best we can’t wait to see retake the field after earning high honors on The Times 2021 All-Area Baseball Team:

Matt Cruise, Seneca, sr.

Seneca's Matt Cruise will be one of the area's top go-to guys this spring. (Scott Anderson)

A unanimous selection to the Times All-Area first team last season, Cruise drove home 21 runs while batting .328 and hitting three home runs. As for pitching, the Fighting Irish hurler went 3-2 with 52 strikeouts and a 2.42 ERA over 34 2/3 innings.

Luke Cushing, Ottawa, sr.

Ottawa's Luke Cushing slides safely into home plate as L-P's Seth Adams applies a late tag. (Scott Anderson)

Cushing, a shortstop by trade, excelled for the Pirates last season on his way to Times All-Area second-team accolades, batting .297 with 20 RBIs and a .531 slugging percentage.

Brady Grabowski, Streator, jr.

Streator's Brady Grabowski (20), shown in this 2021 file photo congratulating teammate Parker Phillis (27), has committed to continue his education and baseball career at Division I Murray State University.

Streator's Brady Grabowski (20), shown in this 2021 file photo congratulating teammate Parker Phillis (27), has committed to continue his education and baseball career at Division I Murray State University. (Scott Anderson)

Another Times All-Area second-team selection from 2021, Grabowski was the Diamond Dogs’ top hitter by average (.368) last season and should see more RBI opportunities as this season’s No. 3 hitter.

Logan Nelson, Marquette, jr.

St. Bede's Brendan Pillion (7) chases down a ball in the outfield as Marquette's Logan Nelson (5) rounds second base on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Masinelli Field in Ottawa. (Scott Anderson)

Nelson posted a .382 batting average with 13 RBIs and one home run while adding 11 innings worked on the mound with a 3.18 ERA for the Crusaders on his way to All-Area first-team honors.

Lucas Pasakarnis, Newark, sr.

Newark’s Lucas Pasakarnis has been a mainstay for the Norsemen and one of the best catchers in the area, (Scott Anderson)

A unanimous Times All-Area first-team pick last year, the Norsemen catcher is back after hitting .424 with 22 runs scored and an area-leading 42 RBIs in 2021.